Visual Outcomes After Corneal Wound Repair Performed By Ophthalmology Residents In Guatemala

To describe visual outcomes after traumatic corneal wounds repair, with or without traumatic cataract, performed by ophthalmology residents.

Retrospective study of 139 clinical records of patients with traumatic open globe injury diagnosis who underwent corneal wound repair, associated or not with traumatic cataract surgery, from September 2015 to June 2020 at “Unidad Nacional de Oftalmología de Guatemala”. Data including age, sex, cause of trauma, crystalline lens status, treatment, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) preoperatively and in last follow up postoperatively, were collected and analyzed. All surgeries were performed by ophthalmology residents. Patients with scleral and retinal injuries were not taken into account.

Patients median age was 17 (range 2-64) years; 82.7% men; 88.5% suffered blunt trauma; 50.4% of corneal injuries were associated to traumatic cataract; mean BCVA preoperatively was hand movement and mean BCVA postoperatively was 0,2 logMAR; 86.57% improved their visual acuity after surgery. 51.1% of surgeries were performed by third year residents. Of 139 patients 104 completed their follow up, 74.82% had visual rehabilitation.

Corneal wound repair, with or without traumatic cataract, performed by residents has a good visual outcome. Early and late traumatic cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation after open globe injuries, have no significant difference regarding the post-surgical BCVA in this study.